The Southern Tier Admirals are proud to announce that Mark DiFruscio will be behind the bench as the Head Coach of our U10 team! Welcome to the Admirals family, Mark! We’re excited to have your energy, and passion guiding our U10 players this season.
Mark DiFruscio brings a strong playing background and a development-focused approach to the Southern Tier Admirals U10 program. He began his AAA career in Niagara Falls before moving to St. Catharines at age 11, where he completed his minor hockey development at the AAA level. Mark continued on to junior hockey, playing two seasons with the Port Colborne Sailors (Jr. B), followed by two seasons with the New York Apple Core (Jr. A), where he served as team captain. He finished his junior career with the Niagara Falls Canucks, earning League Champion and All-Star honors and competing in the Sutherland Cup Final.
Following his junior career, Mark played U SPORTS (OUA) hockey at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) on scholarship and worked as an athletic and academic mentor supporting student-athletes on and off the ice.
Mark transitioned into coaching with a focus on long-term player development, he served as a skills coach with Hockey Factory from 2010–2012. His coaching philosophy at the U10 level emphasizes skill development, confidence, hockey IQ, compete level, and creating a positive, structured team environment. Mark designs practices around high-rep skill work, small-area games, and teachable moments that prepare players for the next stages of AAA hockey.
Mark is excited to lead the Southern Tier Admirals U10 group for the 2026–2027 season and help young athletes develop strong habits, confidence, and a passion for the game.